As soon as I read an article posted on Sacred Heart University’s Odyssey last week, I immediately thought I wanted to write a comeback article in response. However, I decided not to for two reasons. The first is that I didn’t want to openly bash another school and the second is that I don’t go to Sacred Heart, so I couldn’t possibly write a good comparison article. Since that article got a lot of people talking here at Fairfield about why they enjoy school, I decided I wanted to ask them what about Fairfield University they liked. So here's my response article, filled with positive things about a great school.

1. Close-Knit Community

This answer is the only one that came up in every single conversation I had. Fairfield’s close-knit community is absolutely the best thing about our school. It’s hard to explain in words what this feels like or how it affects us, but it’s just a certain vibe you get by being on campus.

2. The Campus

Our campus is undeniably beautiful. People like to go to Bellarmine Hall to see the Long Island Sound and wait for the picturesque sunsets and pink skies.

3. The Size

Our roughly 4,000 undergraduates is the perfect size for a college; not big enough for you to be overwhelmed and to be lost in thousands of people, but not small enough where friends are limited and everyone knows your business.

4. Our Dorms

OK, so the dorms themselves are not the best, but when people gave me this answer, I assume they meant the community found inside the dorms, in the lounges, between floormates, and in programs put on inside our dorms. Plus, upperclassmen housing is actually very nice.

5. Location

The location of Fairfield University makes it perfect for almost anything. We can shop and eat downtown, walk to the beach, and hop on a train and be in New York City in about an hour.

6. Academics

This is an answer I only saw a handful of times but is still very valid. Our core curriculum may seem like a pain but it’s great for those who are undecided and is proven to make students seem more marketable in the job field.

7. Rankings

We do love bragging about our rankings! Fairfield ranked number 2 out of regional North colleges, in the top 2 percent of all accounting programs, and ninth in the country out of best nursing programs. And in 2015, we stole the title from Yale for highest starting salaries in Connecticut after graduation.

8. School Spirit

Another popular answer was our school spirit, not necessarily in terms of sports attendance but in terms of loving Fairfield. One remarked, “I love going to a school where people also love going to school.” It’s true; our stags are always up!

9. Our Professors

Another aspect mentioned by more than one person is that the professors truly seem to care. They notice when you’re absent and are honestly excited when you come to office hours.

10. The RecPlex

Have you seen our new gym? It’s amazing. Besides all the new machines, we also have new fitness and exercise classes too.

11. The Townhouses

To some, it’s upperclassmen living. And to others, it’s a fun place to be on Friday and Saturday nights.

12. The Beach

Not too many other schools have a campus in walking distance from the beach. In the early fall and late spring, the beach is filled with Fairfield students enjoying the warm weather.

13. Study Abroad Opportunities

Ireland? Florence? Madrid? Australia? And if any of these don't entice you, you can go almost anywhere else!

14. Lifelong Friends

Thanks for all the opportunities to make friends in separate and close communities on campus. It's practically given that you’ll find friends you know will be in your wedding party and in your life forever.